Joseph Walker
Joseph Walker is owner and founder of Elastomer Technologies a firm dedicated to training in elastomer materials and process engineering, technical assessments and fit-for-function design reviews. Over the last 45+ years, Walker has conducted training for major organizations and universities. He has also consulted for various customers in the areas of composites, testing, materials and shop-floor problem solving. His focus is a heightened awareness on the science behind rubber technology and improving the overall image of the rubber industry toward one of science-bases decision making through increased educational outreach. He is also active in driving awareness to supply chain risks and threats to the US rubber industry.
For 24 years, he was held positions at Freudenberg-NOK and then Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FNST) where he retired as global technology director for materials and laboratories. In this position, he was globally responsible for overseeing advanced materials technology and management of the FNST/FST laboratories. He was also the regional USMCA leader for Chemical Regulatory Compliance for FNST.
Prior to joining Freudenberg, Walker served as silicone rubber business team leader for Wacker Silicones Corp. There, he was responsible for research, development, and sales and marketing. He was an engineering fellow for Alliant Techsystems (formally Honeywell Defense and Marine Systems), where he focused on material design, processing and application for various U.S. Department of Defense programs.
Walker also held positions at Stauffer Chemical, Phillips Petroleum and Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. He continues to conduct numerous trainings at various industry workshops, universities and events.
He was the 2012 chairman of the American Chemical Society, Rubber Division and is past-chair and board member emeritus of the Detroit Rubber Group; a founding member of the Rubber Industry Advisory Board for Ferris State University; board member of the Association of Rubber Product Manufacturers; Technical Director for the ARPM Training Academy. Additionally, he is a member of Society of Automotive Engineers, Society of Plastics Engineers, Original Equipment Suppliers Association, Automotive Industry Action Group, and the Americas Tech Team of the American Chemistry Council. A graduate of Lawrence Institute of Technology, he holds more than 20 patents and has authored and edited various chapters in text and industry publications.
